Bhutan

Bhutan Travel Guide

Bhutan is a land of pristine natural environments,
existing as a biodiversity hotspot. Free of pollution and crime,
it's guided by an official policy known as Gross National
Happiness. Known to its people as Druk Yul (meaning 'Land of the
Thunder Dragon'), Bhutan sits in the remote Himalayan Mountains
with India and China as its only neighbours.

The scenic majesty of its soaring mountains and green
valleys, coupled with the vibrancy of its cultural life, makes
Bhutan one of the last undiscovered destinations; an adventure to
feed the soul and enrich the senses.

Bhutan's iconic sight is the Tiger's Nest, a
monastery built into a cliff face 2,950 feet (900m) above the
ground in the Paro Valley. Another key attraction is Trongsa Dzong
fortress, the ancestral home of the royal family. Trekking and
mountain biking are popular attractions too, as are the many
Buddhist festivals that bring out the extroverted side of these
famously friendly people.

It is at times a wonderfully strange place: all new
structures must follow the ancient style and people are obliged by
law to wear traditional dress in public. Monks have broadband
access, while cigarette sales are illegal. And, uniquely, 70
percent of the land is owned by women as inheritance is
matrilineal.

Bhutan remained closed to the outside world until the
1960s when its borders slowly began opening. Tourism is based on a
high value, low volume principle in a bid to avoid the destructive
effects of mass tourism suffered by Nepal and India. Visitors must
spend a minimum of USD200 per day on a predetermined itinerary, a
strong deterrence for budget travellers. Therefore, visiting Bhutan
is much easier through a registered tour operator.

Under the guidance of the current monarch, Bhutan is
slowly changing as its economy matures and its fledgling government
engages more with the world. Improved communications and widespread
internet access is affecting the younger generation and exposing
them to the world beyond the borders of this, the last
Shangri-La.